FR2597826A1 - Modular float and method for assembling a plurality of such floats in order to form a floating device - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular float and method for assembling a plurality of such floats in order to form a floating device. Each float comprises a first trapezoidal female profile into which is fitted a connection means 4 comprising a complementary male profile which is also trapezoidal. Passage orifices are provided so as to be aligned and allow the sliding of a connection tube. Clamping means arranged at each end of this tube fix a plurality of floats 1 to each other. The invention relates to all the applications employing a floating platform intended to receive various pieces of equipment.

Description

MODULAR FLOAT
AND METHOD FOR ASSEMBLING A PLURALITY OF SUCH FLOATS
TO CONSTITUTE A FLOATING MACHINE.

 The invention relates to a modular float. It also relates to the means and the method of assembling together several floats of this type.

 Several kinds of floats intended to be assembled with each other are already known. Unfortunately, in most cases, the assembly means are complicated, difficult to implement and require specific assembly and disassembly tools.

 The applicant himself has already perfected a process for assembling floats which is the subject of French patent application 2,545,438 filed on May 4, 1983 which makes it possible to carry out manually, without any particular tool, the mounting and the disassembly of the caissons and resulting in floating devices of various structures, depending on whether one or more floats are used and according to their arrangement.

 in the patent application cited above, it is a combination of a spar and a hull, these two elements being recessed into one another so that the edges of the hull cover the spar .

Such a structure gives satisfaction in a certain number of applications, but problems as well related to the resistance of the materials as to the difficulties of manufacture appear as soon as the constraints and the dimensions become more important.

 The present invention aims to overcome these drawbacks and relates in particular to a new type of box whose structure comprises a profile having bearing faces receiving complementary bearing faces of the connecting members, so that the resistance of the together is increased. Indeed, such a configuration is such that not only is the support function more efficiently performed, but it is supplemented by a wedging function which ensures that all of the elements are joined together in a remarkable manner.

 The invention relates more precisely to a modular float (1) of the type comprising over its entire length, regularly distributed, a plurality of cylindrical passages (2) spaced by a distance (e), characterized in that each float (1) in a zone (z) situated at the level of these cylindrical passages (2) comprises a first trapezoid profile (a ', b', c ', d') whose large base is absent, the two sides (a ', b' ) and (c ', d') of this trapezoid making an angle (') with the small base (b', c '), this first profile being intended to cooperate with a second trapezoid profile (a, b, c, d) capable of fitting into the first and belonging to a spar (4), the latter comprising holes (21) such that the latter are positioned opposite the cylindrical passages (2) to allow the sliding of a tube (3 ) ensuring the transverse connection of several floats together.

The invention will be better understood with the aid of the explanations which follow and of the appended figures among which:
FIG. 1 schematically illustrates, seen in section, a first alternative embodiment of an elementary float according to the invention,
FIG. 2, supplemented by FIGS. (2a) and (2b), also illustrate, seen in section, a second variant of an elementary float according to the invention,
FIG. 3 is an elevation view of an elementary float according to the invention,
FIG. 4 is a top view of an elementary float according to the invention,
FIG. 5 is a section along (BB) of FIG. 4, which illustrates the cooperation of the profile of an elementary float with the complementary profile of a connecting beam according to the invention,
FIG. 6 shows in section a plurality of floats according to the variant of FIG. 1 and their method of assembly,
FIG. 7 shows in section a plurality of floats according to the variant of FIG. 2 and their method of assembly,
FIG. 8 schematically shows an embodiment of an elementary float according to FIG. 2, cooperating with a connecting beam which is adapted to it,
FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 which supplements it are illustrative diagrams of the example described by means of FIG. 8,
FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, seen from above, a plurality of elementary floats of the type of floats according to FIG. 1,
FIG. 12 schematically illustrates, seen from above, a plurality of elementary floats of the type of floats according to FIG. 2,
- Figure 13 schematically illustrates a variant in which the floats are mounted in staggered rows.

 For clarity, the same elements are given the same references in all the figures.

 As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, an elementary float (1) according to the invention, comprises a sealed box adapted to the dimensions of the floating object to be produced, and of width as a function of the total width of the device. floating to achieve.

 Two types of floats (1) are respectively shown in Figures 1 and 2 supplemented by Figures 2a and 2b. In both cases, the elementary float (1) comprises at least one watertight box (C) extending by a high part (z) having a trapezoid profile (a ', b', c ', d'), the large base is absent, which thus determines a female profile intended to receive, as will be explained later, the complementary male profile also in the shape of a trapezoid, of a connecting beam.

 In this upper part (z) of the floats (1), orifices (2) of diameter (do) are formed in the axis of the small base (b ', c'). They are intended to allow the passage of elements ensuring the transverse connection of a plurality of floats together as illustrated by means of the following figures.

 In the first variant, called variant (A), illustrated in particular by means of FIG. 1, a hollow cylindrical tube (t) of diameter (do) crosses the float (1) at the level of these orifices (2) and this so waterproof. I1 is made integral with the float by any known means (bonding, soldering sl).

An upper bridge (10) also closes the assembly in a sealed manner.

This bridge (10) can for example also be made integral with the upper part (z) of the float (1) by gluing or welding (s2). The hatching symbolizes the watertight parts and distinguishes them from the non-watertight parts.

 In the second variant, called variant (B), illustrated in particular by means of FIG. 2 supplemented by FIGS. 2a and 2b, only the lower part, that is to say the box (C), is waterproof and possibly filled a suitable foam. This box (C) is in this case closed by a wall (p), while the upper part (z) can remain open. However, as shown in FIG. 2a, in the case where a compression force illustrated by the two arrows (fc) occurs during the assembly of several floats together, for example, a deformation symbolized by a dotted line of the profile ( a ', b', c ', d') may ensue.To overcome this drawback, as shown in Figure 2b, a floor or a spacer (Pl) having spans (50) (support points) which oppose this deformation by prohibiting the bringing together of the two edges of the float (1). This floor or spacer (Pl) is removable which has an advantage which will be explained below.

 In both cases, the box (C) is for example in a generally parallelepipedal shape with a flat bottom (201) connected to vertical walls (202) by any suitable profile such as an inclined plane (200) as shown in the figures.

 Figures 3 and 4 illustrate schematically and respectively an elevational view and a top view of a float (1) according to the invention.

The total length of the float (1) is (L). The distance between the axes of each orifice (2) is equal to (e) over the entire length, except at each of the front and rear ends where this distance is equal to (e / 2).

 As shown in FIG. 5 and as said above, according to an important characteristic of the invention, each lateral face of each float, in the zone (z), comprises a first particular female profile intended to receive a connecting beam (4 ) also having a second male profile complementary to the first. The first profile (a ', b', c ', d') given in the area (z) to the float (1) is therefore in the form of a trapezoid whose large base is absent (female profile). The small base is referenced (b ', c') and the two sides (a ', b') on the one hand, and (c ', d') on the other hand, make an angle with this base (e ' ).

 The second complementary profile belonging to the beam (4) is also in the form of a second trapezoid (a, b, c, d). The small base (b, c) and the two sides (a, b) on the one hand, and (c, d) on the other hand, making with it an angle (a) compatible with the angle (o '! so that this second profile penetrates inside the first profile (a', b ', c', d '), the spar (4) then fitting into the float (1). also produced, one of support, the other of wedging (for clarity, the holes 2 have not been shown in this figure).

 In Figure 5, only one side of the second male profile is shown but as shown in the following figures, the other side is symmetrical to the first, one cooperating with a float and the second with another adjacent float.

 As shown in particular in FIGS. 6 and 7, it is thus possible to obtain a stack of (x) floats (1) and of longitudinal members (4) fitting perfectly into each other, creating after tightening a wedge sufficient to stiffen the together, but not overdone to allow for easy disassembly.

 Two types of beams (4) can be used, one corresponding to the variant (A) of float (1), the other to variant (B) of said float (1).

 In the first case, the male profile is continuous over the entire length of the beam (4), as shown in FIGS. 6 and 11. In the second case, this male profile is produced at regular intervals corresponding to the spacing (e) and ( e / 2) all along the spar (4): a crenelated connection is thus obtained.

 As shown in Figure 6 relating to the implementation of a beam (4) with a male profile (a, b, c, d) continuous, a plurality of floats (1) can thus be assembled side by side. Between each float (1), a beam (4) is embedded in which are drilled at the same intervals (e) and (e / 2) passages (21) of diameter (which) greater than the diameter (do) of the holes (2 ). The holes (2), therefore the tubes (t), coincide with the passages (21), and a transverse connecting element (3) which slides freely is put on. Finally, the stacking thus produced is tightened by applying a compressive force to each of the ends of the transverse connecting element (3) by any known means. I1 can be a nut system (5) or a system using a slot stop ring (6) and a pin axis (66) such as if the ring is rotated around the tube ( 3), the pin axis being fixed relative to this tube, it is the ring which advances by turning and which comes to ensure the tightening.

 It is therefore recommended to press the ends on a flat surface.

 For certain applications, one or more floats (i) can be replaced by spacers (100) having in their upper part (zone z) the same profile as that of the profile of a float (1) in order to cooperate in the same way with the connecting beams (4). These spacers (100) have no bottom, hence a substantial saving.

 Figures 7 and 8 schematically illustrate an embodiment and stacking of floats (1) according to the variant (B). We find there one of the essential characteristics of the invention, namely the cooperation of a first female profile (a ', b', c ', d') in which a second male profile (a, b, c , d). These references do not appear in these figures for clarity, but are deduced from the explanation which follows.

 Such an embodiment has the advantage of being able to be produced, either in metallic version, or in plastic version. It is recommended in particular for large floats and for certain types of combinations of floats arranged in staggered rows as will be explained later. An example of a metallic embodiment is described below. The float (1) is produced for example by stamping and comprises a sealed box (C) limited by a partition (P), delimiting a volume filled with foam. In the zone (z) defined previously (FIGS. 2, 2b), openings (120) are made at regular intervals corresponding to the distance (e) or (e / 2), around which are fixed by any known means such as welds (So) elements (420) in the form of a pyramidal trunk whose sides have inclinations leading to the shape of the trapezoid (a ', b', c ', d') pierced with a hole (21) of diameter (, 25) described above.

 The connecting beam (4) consists of a section (405) of rectangular section of the conventional type in which circular holes (21) of diameter () are made, distant from (e) or (e / 2) intended to allow the sliding of the transverse connecting element (3).

 At each of these holes (21), the profile (405) is framed by a part (410) symmetrically presenting two trapezoidal profiles (411) having a profile complementary to the trapezoidal profiles (420) produced at the side faces floats (1).

 The stacking can then be done and, at the time of tightening, the two complementary profiles will fit together, bear one on the other and tend to jam as has already been explained previously. The final fixing is obtained as for the other variant, by any means such as the combination of a stop ring (6) and a pin (66). The clamping force is illustrated by arrows (F).

 Such an architecture implementing aliasing, as shown in FIG. 9 which is a plan view of two floats (1) assembled side by side and FIG. 10 which is a detail of FIG. 9, facilitates centering for the passage transverse connecting elements (3). Above all, such a crenellated spar (4) prevents the floats (1) (that is to say, the hulls) from sliding relative to one another if the tightening is not sufficient. Therefore, in the event of a violent impact, symbolized by the arrow (R), it avoids the shearing effect of the connecting tubes (3). Note that this aliasing has, between the male parts (410) of the beam (4) and female parts (420) of the float (1), a clearance (j) necessary to avoid the problems of expansion for long lengths.

 FIG. 11 schematically illustrates, by way of example and seen from above, an assembly of three floats (1) according to variant A. In this case, the maximum length (Lo) of the floating assembly (200) thus formed is determined by the length of the connecting tubes (3). The clamping means are here diagrammed by arrows (Fs).

 On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 12 which is a top view of an assembly of floats (1) according to the variant (B) known as crenellated spars (4), the floats can be clamped together not only the outside, as is the case for the floats according to variant A, but also from the inside of the floats since the zone (z) is here open. This therefore makes it possible to assemble in length (Lo), at will, without being limited by the length of the connecting tubes.

 Figure 13 illustrates a staggered mounting of five floats (1).

This is an example that is in no way limitative because such an architecture makes it possible to obtain without limitation the dimensions as large as desired of the desired floating surface.

 Under these conditions, all scenarios become possible and, depending on the application concerned, floating surfaces of different dimensions can be obtained.

Claims (2)

 1) Modular float (1) of the type comprising over its entire length, regularly distributed, a plurality of cylindrical passages (2) spaced by a distance (e) and (e / 2), characterized in that each lateral face of the float (1) in a zone (z) situated at the level of these cylindrical passages (2) comprises a first trapezoid profile (a ', b', c ', d') whose large base is absent, the two sides (a ', b') and (c ', d') of this trapezoid making with the small base (b ', c') an angle (oc '), this first profile being intended to cooperate with a second trapezium profile (a , b, c, d), capable of fitting into the first and belonging to a connecting beam (4), the latter comprising holes (21) such that the latter are positioned facing the cylindrical passages (2) to allow the sliding of a tube (3) ensuring the transverse connection of the assembly.  2) Float according to claim 1, characterized in that an assembly clamping is obtained by clamping and locking means provided at each end of the tube (3) of transverse connection.